NOVA Performance Paragliders

The inspiration - the mile-eaters of the sports class. For nearly a decade, the MENTOR has been the benchmark in LTF/EN B cross-country wings and it wins everything that can be won. With the new SECTOR we have taken the same approach - but in the sports class (EN C). The low aspect-ratio (5.92) is the basis for a high level of passive safety and confidence-inspiring flying characteristics. Coupled with a precise handling, the SECTOR offers an impressively high level of totally usable performance.

Performance comparison. Years ago we stopped detailing absolute performance figures. Instead, we make comparisons with well-established models. Comparative flights with the MENTOR 5 showed 0.7 to 0.8 better glide points - with a very flat polar curve and high top-speed. It also clearly tops the TRITON 2. The SECTOR needs not be afraid of any comparison.

Thermal flying - balanced and uncomplicated.

Immediately after take off the pilot will feel a solid wing with a high comfort factor. And this happy feeling continues when initiating a turn. Short brake travel with very moderate pressure results in direct and precise responses to brake inputs. Whether the thermals are large and weak or small and strong, the SECTOR will climb in anything. It will master all turns and angles of bank. Its main strengths are balance and simplicity.

Totally usable performance – it's a confidence thing. What is the use of having great performance in the morning, when there is no wind, if the wing is tossed about in turbulent air on a mega XC day? Pitch, roll, yaw or a continually deforming wing reduce the performance. The advantage of the SECTOR is the totally usable performance - like on the MENTOR. Even in strong thermals it stays solid. The SECTOR also inherited the MENTOR's stability at full-speed. The SECTOR gives cross-country pilots real confidence - a really important prerequisite for long-distance flights.

Requirements

In terms of the technical data, the SECTOR is nearly exactly positioned between the MENTOR 5 and the TRITON 2.

The same applies to the pilot target group. Any pilot who has a handle on their MENTOR and wishes to have more performance and that "EN C feeling" in handling will love the SECTOR. In comparison to the TRITON 2, clearly the SECTOR requires less active flying - but this does not change the fact that this is a sports class wing.

For queries about the suitability of the wing for you, your NOVA dealer will be happy to assist.

Little weight – compact packing volume

In size M (90–110 kg), the SECTOR only weighs 4.4 kg! This nearly puts it in the specialist lightweight wing market. We did not, however, make this a radical lightweight construction. The internal wing construction has been analysed and optimised for strength and then made lighter by using Triple Tape Diagonals. The risers are 'normal', but light and slim. Our cloth choice is a clever compromise of durability and lightness. This means the SECTOR is absolutely usable for hike & fly and vol biv.

Of course, the SECTOR comes with all NOVA guarantees and services.

Video

Further design details

Diagonal Tape Ribs are lightweight and ensure a stable structure (as used on the PHANTOM). Although more complicated to manufacture, they ensure better form stability without adding weight.

Automatic speed-bar stabilisation when accelerated: The outer A-line is re-routed over a pulley. This means that when using the speed-bar, the inner A-lines are fully accelerated and the outer A-lines are accelerated by 50%. The result is more wing stability and less tendency to yaw.

Low Drag Brake: The Low Drag Brake on the SECTOR looks unusual, but in the course of the wing's development we found it to be the optimal solution- both in terms of the number of line attachment points (fewer lines = more performance) and in terms of the brake pressure, sink rate when turning and steering characteristics.

Easy Packing: Many current sports class wings have a complex construction with long rods and a multitude of reinforcements. For the SECTOR we applied the NOVA motto: "Keep paragliding simple". Apart from the kink resistant nylon rods in the leading edge, we were able to avoid using any other reinforcements. The SECTOR doesn't require a concertina bag.

Impressions

Peter Gebhard, X-Alps finisher (2013, 5th place) and former PWC competition pilot commented after testing the SECTOR in the Dolomites:

"Launches easy, flies, climbs and turns well! I would describe the brake as rather short (for an EN C wing) with moderate brake pressure."

Attribute

Everything you need to know about the SECTOR:

Low aspect ratio – high level of really usable performance
Short brake travel – moderate brake pressure
Balanced thermalling characteristics with exceptionally good climb rate
Stable on bar – flat polar
Lightweight construction – small packing volume, little weight, improved take off characteristics
First place in national XC Championships 2018 in the sport class in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Review - Thermik Magazin

Thermik Magazin is the leading paragliding magazine for the German speaking countries. Here you can download a PDF file of their review (German) of the SECTOR.

Summery: Nova offers a sports class wing that is appealing to a wide range of paraglider pilots. Pilots stepping up from a B-wing will feel just as comfortable as an ambitious sport class pilot who wants to rely on higher passive safety in the future. Of course, you will have to enjoy this relaxed feeling - whoever is searching for a thrill should look elsewhere. Nevertheless, the SECTOR will be a relieble companion for XC pilots of all kind, delivering high performance for epic cross-country adventure. Surely, there will be someone within the NOVA family trying to break records with the SECTOR.

Thanks to Thermik-Magazin for the permission to publish this review.

Technology

Moderate aspect ratio – increased safety

The aspect ratio of a glider is not the only factor in passive safety, but still a very important one. For this reason our wings have the aspect ratio they require. Our design motto is as much as necessary, as little as possible.

Comfort on the ground. All NOVA paragliders are made to be easy to use. For packing you can use a concertina bag, but it is not essential. Our extensive experience with rods has taught us that the packing method has little influence on the durability of the wing. Bent rods quickly spring back into their original shape.

Diagonal Tape Ribs.

Instead of one piece of fabric, these diagonal ribs are manufactured from various strips, which are directionally cut in accordance with their Ripstop threads. The manufacturing process involves more effort and precision, but they ensure a cleaner profile, which means more performance.

Less is more. Our idea of a three-liner with a reduced amount of line length allows us to construct wings with very good performance and a high degree of passive safety. The way we have conceptualised the lines has made it possible to manufacture wings which are collapse resistant; but when they do collapse, the collapsed area is generally less extensive. This significantly improves the wing's extreme flight behaviour.

Light and durable. Paragliders in the Weight-optimised category are lighter than conventional paragliders - but offer the same mechanical stability and durability. These wings are lighter to carry, easier to launch and are therefore suitable for hike & fly. Weight-optimised is aimed at pilots who appreciate light weight without compromising on durability.

Flat profile nose. Anyone who tries to fold a piece of paper around a ball will notice that there are always creases. The nose profile of a paraglider is the same - the sail cloth has to adjust to both the profile and ballooning effect (cells are round, not straight). Double 3D Shaping uses additional seams to reduce creasing and therefore increases the performance of the wing.

Better handling - greater performance

On a paraglider, pilots are accustomed to seeing a trailing edge that is as straight as possible. However, during our glider tests we discovered that on some models

more brake pressure is required;
the handling is worse;
the aerodynamics and thus the performance are negatively influenced, because more line meters means more drag.

The Low Drag Brake foregoes the perfect look in favour of better handling and performance.

Technical data

		XS	S	M	L
Number of cells		67
Projected span	m	9,19	9,65	10,09	10,52
Projected area	m²	19,31	21,31	23,32	25,32
Projected aspect ratio		4,37
Flat span	m	11,59	12,17	12,73	13,27
Flat area	m²	22,69	25,03	27,39	29,75
Flat aspect ratio		5,92
Line diameter	mm	0,6 / 0,8 / 1,0 /1,2
Line length	m	6,72	7,06	7,39	7,70
Total line length	m	238	250	262	273
Max. chord	m	2,41	2,53	2,65	2,76
Min. chord	m	0,38	0,40	0,42	0,44
Weight	kg	3,80	4,10	4,40	4,70
Recommended take off weight	kg	70-90	80-100	90-110	100-130
Certification (EN/LTF)		C	C	C	C

Materials

Leading edge:	Skytex 32 Universal
Top surface:	Skytex 32 Universal
Bottom surface:	Skytex 27 C1
Profile ribs (suspended):	Skytex 32 HARD
Profile ribs (unsuspended):	Skytext 27 HARD
Main lines:	PPSL191 / U120 / U90
Gallery lines:	U50
Brake lines:	PPSL160 / U90 / U50
Risers:	Kevlar 12mm

Service

Every NOVA paraglider comes with a big package of extra services and guarantees. When you buy the wing you get more than just the product¹.

Optimise your wing.

During the initial flights the lines are subjected to real loads for the first time. This leads to stretching and shrinking - regardless of which line material is used. During NOVA Trim Tuning² our software analyses how out of trim the glider has become and then calculates the required correction values. Trim Tuning aids safety and increases your flying fun.

More than a check.

The NOVA Full Service is more than just a check. Just like the Trim Tuning, we analyse the line lengths and ensure that the wing is restored to the optimal profile alignment across the whole of the span. Additionally we give the wing a full health check. Our NOVA Full Service gives you confidence in your wing.

Three years without worry.

If your wing has undergone NOVA Trim Tuning, the date to the next check is extended from two years to three years. The two-year check becomes a three-year check. This allows you to have an extra year of carefree flying. Please note the maximum permitted flying hours in the manual.

Full four year warranty.

As standard, NOVA provides a three year, rather than a two year, guarantee on its paragliders. If your wing has undergone NOVA Trim Tuning and a NOVA Full Service, then we will extend the guarantee for a further year to four years. You get a good feeling flying a NOVA wing.

Everything available, anytime.

If you register your wing at myNOVA, it is added to our Quality Assurance Database. In the database - accessed through myNOVA - you can download all the key data about your wing. The database will also assist the person servicing your glider by getting information about your glider at the click of a button. Your glider will be more comprehensively checked.

1 The guarantee and service provision is limited, subject to conditions and not offered to the same extent in all countries. Detailed information is available in our guarantee conditions.

2 This service is included in the purchase price in selected countries. Please contact your dealer for more information.

Best Flights

SECTOR Challenge

The SECTOR is a wing with extraordinary performance. It is greedy for distance. Below is a list of the best and furthest SECTOR flights.

Get yourself added to this list!

Speedbrake Riser

The NOVA Speedbrake Riser is the first three-liner riser which permits the glider to be accelerated as well as decelerated. It brings an end to pulling the C-lines, which killed performance.

We recommend the Speedbrake Riser for cross-country pilots. If you prefer relaxed recreational flying, hill soaring or frequent groundhandling we recommend the standard riser without the Speedbrake strap.

For an additional 60 euro (plus local rate VAT), we can offer the SECTOR fitted with the Speedbrake Riser. This offer is only valid for new wing purchases which are not yet delivered to the customer.

Find out more about the innovative Speedbrake Riser ↗

Colours

Lime

Orange

Purple

Red

Please press the play button to launch the colour configurator.

Main upper sail
Leading edge/stippe bottom sail
Wingtips
- Orange
- Sand
- Gold
- Yellow
- Kiwi
- Lime
- Green
- Grey
- Petrol
- Light Blue
- Tapestry
- Pink
- Red
- White

This 3D model will assist you to see the approximate appearance of a custom colour. But please be aware: the actual colours may vary from the 3D model. For any queries, please contact your NOVA Partner or email us directly at info@nova.eu.

Scope of delivery

Concertina Bag Light.

The lightweight concertina bag allows uncomplicated packing from cell to cell and protects the paraglider from external damage. Air and moisture can escape easily through the in-built ventilation net. Both the paraglider and risers can be compactly stored in the Concertina Bag Light. You will receive the Concertina Bag Light in the size that fits your paraglider (Colours may vary).

NOVA windsock.

So you know where the wind is coming from, we have added a NOVA windsock. With a length of approximately 80cm it is large enough for a take-off site.

Repair kit.

Everyone hopes it will never happen: a hole or tear in the paraglider. We have included a minor damage repair kit in the right colour for such an eventuality.

Manual.

We have enclosed a very detailed manual which contains everything you need to know about your flying equipment. Please study it before flying your gear for the first time.

FAQ

Can I shorten the brake lines on a NOVA wing?

The brakes are components relevant to certification - modification can affect the flying characteristics and extreme flight behaviour. Because of this, we strongly advise against any modification of the brake system. It is important that the brake has sufficient travel before it engages. This is also important so that the wing does not brake automatically when the speed bar is used. Furthermore a brake that engages too early affects performance and influences the recovery during incidents, for example during a collapse or when the canopy goes parachutal.

What is the performance of my NOVA wing? How fast will it fly?

Performance data depends heavily on the drag created by the pilot and this is linked to their seating position and harness type. An aerodynamic harness or seating position can make the difference of one glide ratio point. We at NOVA never determine absolute performance data, instead we make comparisons with reference gliders. For this reason we do not publish performance data.

How do I hold the brake line correctly?

The way a pilot holds the brake handles is a matter of personal preference - but it does have significant influence on the handling and flying characteristics of the wing. We recommend a half-wrap. You hold the brake handle in your palm and twist it half way around your hand so that the brake line lies between your thumb and forefinger. This shortens the brake travel by approximately 20 centimetres and this has a positive effect on feedback - firstly you directly feel the travel of the brake line and secondly, with the arms positioned higher, it is easier to feel the wing. The exception is of course when gliding or during other phases of the flight when steering with the brake is not necessary. Please note: when changing from no-wrap to half-wrap, the shortened brake travel must be taken into consideration.

How should I pack my wing?

Simplicity is our motto. Our wings can be packed using a concertina bag, but it is not essential. You can fold this wing using your preferred method and pack it in our stuff sack. Be careful not to bend the leading edge rods unnecessarily. This is particularly true if the wing is to be stored for longer periods or if it is packed tightly.

Does NOVA test the materials used?

Sail cloth, lines and all other components are subjected to rigorous testing before they are used in serial production. We not only test the sail cloth for durability (high porosity or reduced tear resistance through UV damage or wear) but also for mechanical robustness, for example stretching. For quality control purposes we regularly take samples during serial production.

When should I send my wing for its first NOVA Trim Tuning (NTT)?

During the initial flights the lines are first subjected to load. This load induces a small degree of stretching and shrinking. These are not associated with the line manufacturers or the quality of workmanship - in the factory all NOVA paragliders are trimmed and pre-stretched to within a very low tolerance. To adjust this stretching or shrinking, we recommend that the wing is taken for NTT (NOVA Trim Tuning) after ten to twenty flights - after one year at the very latest. Generally, the line lengths remain constant after the first ten to twenty hours. To make full use of the NTT, NOVA encourages all pilots to have their wing checked after ten to twenty flying hours.

How should NOVA wings be stored?

Dry, not packed too tightly and if possible in a space without wide temperature variations - these are the conditions that make our paragliders feel well. You should never store a wing when it is moist. You should also avoid excessive heat, like you would have, for example, in the car. Never remove dirt using chemical detergents and/or brushes.

I would like to try a NOVA paraglider. Who should I contact?

The best person to contact is your authorised NOVA dealer. If there are no paragliding schools in your country, contact the NOVA importer. A list of our dealers and distribution network can be found here. If you have specific questions you are welcome to contact us directly.

Certification: EN/LTF C

SECTOR – For Your Perfect Day

The SECTOR is a performance XC wing with comparatively low aspect ratio, with substantial, totally usable performance and excellent handling. Like the MENTOR in the standard class, the SECTOR is the mile-eater of the sports class. SECTOR - for your perfect XC day!